Powershell replace regex between two tags

Question

Given a block of arbitrary text enclosed by specific tags, I would like to replace the whole chunk with something else (in the example, "BANANA")

$newvar = $oldvar -replace "(*.)","BANANA"

Is there a mode in PS regex to not require escaping and can the syntax then be as simple as this to achieve the replacement?

UPDATE: I understand now that it should be .*, not *., but still no dice. The match covers multiple lines, if that adds complexity to the regex or requires other options.

are you sure it is (*.) and not (.*)

aelor
– aelor

2014-06-19 05:15:29 +00:00
Commented Jun 19, 2014 at 5:15 — aelor
– aelor, Commented Jun 19, 2014 at 5:15

zx81 · Accepted Answer · 2014-06-19 05:24:43Z

3

It looks to me like you have the .* in reverse (*.). Apart from that, try:

$newvar = $oldvar -creplace '(?s)<!-- URL -->.*?<!-- END -->', 'BANANA'

In response to your comments, I have made the .*? lazy so it will not "overmatch" (for details on lazy vs. greedy, see the reference section)
Also in reference to your comments, the (?s) activates DOTALL mode, allowing the .*? to match across multiple lines.

Reference

The Many Degrees of Regex Greed

edited Jun 19, 2014 at 5:24

answered Jun 19, 2014 at 5:17

zx81

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4 Comments

ljs.dev Over a year ago

Thanks. -replace "","BANANA", with replace or creplace both replace the initial tag, so at least I know now that nothing needs escaping there. However, it is unable to match the whole inner contents. I should add that the contents span multiple lines, perhaps that is it. (.*) does not seem to be working...

ljs.dev Over a year ago

That did it, merci beaucoup! (giving you the trophy in T minus 3 minutes ;)

zx81 Over a year ago

Glad to hear it! Okay, I'm counting down with you, but also trying to hold my breath at the same time. :)

ljs.dev Over a year ago

oops, hope you're still alive! My mental timer is also buggy :P

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